Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jan 7: More than a decade after joining the Save Aarey Movement to oppose the metro car shed in the city’s green lung, 22-year-old Sejal Bhopi is set for another crucial fight — this time in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections on January 15.

A candidate of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), Bhopi is contesting from Ward No. 121, the only ST-reserved women’s seat in the civic polls. The ward, which has around 28,000 voters, has six candidates in the fray, including nominees from the Shiv Sena (UBT), Shiv Sena, Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi and two independents.

Bhopi, who was pursuing a BA in rural development, had to discontinue her studies in the second year due to financial constraints. Since then, she has been working on the ground as an activist with the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), the youth wing of CPI(M). Recently, she quit her job as a salesgirl to focus entirely on the election campaign.

On the fringes of the Aarey forest at Gunda Pachal, a narrow passage leads to chawls where a small tin-roofed room serves as Bhopi’s campaign office. On Tuesday, around 20 supporters, mostly aged between 25 and 35, accompanied her through the locality with red flags, mufflers and sharp slogans — a style locals say has become synonymous with her campaign.

Speaking about her priorities, Bhopi said that while many civic issues were common across Mumbai, environment protection, adivasi rights, women’s safety, hygiene and education formed the core of her agenda. “Even without being corporators, we have worked on these issues for years. People here know who has actually been on the ground,” she said, adding that the campaign was also about educating voters on the role and responsibility of a corporator.

The ward faces several challenges — from damaged pathways and overflowing drains to uncertain SRA redevelopment surveys, adivasi identity concerns and livelihood issues. However, Bhopi said she was placing special emphasis on basic civic amenities. “Adivasi areas are routinely deprived of facilities that others take for granted. We will work to change this,” she said.

Residents echoed similar concerns. Despite being located near Vihar Lake, one of Mumbai’s key water sources, the area faces chronic water shortages. “Imagine living next to a lake and still struggling for water,” a resident remarked, adding that they would support a candidate who genuinely understood local issues.

Jayesh Nikule, a resident of Ultan Pada, said the declaration of the ward as ST-reserved had raised hopes. “Despite our numbers, we have been neglected by all parties. Having a representative from our own community gives us a voice to negotiate with the BMC on issues like ST certificates and community needs,” he said.

Youth from Morarji Nagar are also rallying behind Bhopi. Photographer Jairaj Nadar (26) said young people were often used only during elections. “Sejal represents our generation and our concerns. That’s why many of us are supporting her,” he said.

Linking Aarey’s future with that of Mumbai, Bhopi said protecting the forest was crucial for the city’s survival. “Years ago, we warned that Mumbai would face rising temperatures, harsher summers and flooding monsoons. Saving Aarey is not just about the forest — it is about safeguarding Mumbai itself,” she said.